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Racism and Stereotype

Racism

Racism is usually defined as views, practices and actions reflecting the belief that humanity is divided into distinct biological groups called races and that members of a certain race share certain attributes which make that group as a whole less desirable, more desirable, inferior or superior.

racism
n 1: the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically
superior to members of other races
2: discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of
another race [syn: {racialism}, {racial discrimination}]

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Stereotype

A stereotype is a thought that may be adopted about specific types of individuals or certain ways of doing things thought to be the majority of individuals in that area, but that belief may or may not accurately reflect reality.

stereotype
n : a conventional or formulaic conception or image; "regional
stereotypes have been part of America since its founding"
v : treat or classify according to a mental stereotype; "I was
stereotyped as a lazy Southern European" [syn: {pigeonhole},
{stamp}]

Stereotype \Ste"re*o*type\, n. [Stereo- + -type: cf. F.
st['e]r['e]otype.]
1. A plate forming an exact faximile of a page of type or of
an engraving, used in printing books, etc.; specifically,
a plate with type-metal face, used for printing.
[1913 Webster]
Note: A stereotype, or stereotypr plate, is made by setting
movable type as for ordinary printing; from these a
cast is taken in plaster of Paris, paper pulp, or the
like, and upon this cast melted type metal is poured,
which, when hardened, makes a solid page or column,
from which the impression is taken as from type.
[1913 Webster]
2. The art or process of making such plates, or of executing
work by means of them.
[1913 Webster]
{Stereotype block}, a block, usually of wood, to which a
stereotype plate is attached while being used in printing.
[1913 Webster]